THE Patriotic Front (PF) in Livingstone has adopted former Livingstone district commissioner Omar Munsanje as the Livingstone Central parliamentary candidate while Edward Ntinda has been adopted to represent the party as executive mayor.

And the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) is reported to have adopted former Livingstone deputy mayor Mathews Jere as its parliamentary candidate for Livingstone Central amidst controversy.

The PF candidates were received to a thunderous welcome from PF party members who braved the cold and waited for the arrival of the duo at the weigh bridge on the Lusaka road in Livingstone. The visibly happy Mr Munsanje expressed gratitude to the party’s central committee for the adoption describing it as a symbol that the party was committed to ensure that it retained the seat.

He urged the party members to work together in campaigning for the PF presidential candidate and all their candidates.

“We know we have had many different camps but this time around we just have to work as one team to retain the Livingstone constituency seat.

‘‘We need to start working together so that we go as a united front into this campaign,” he said. Mr. Munsanje said every party member was important and that their contribution was valuable.

Earlier, Mr. Ntinda urged the candidates that had applied to rally behind those who have been adopted.

The UPND has also adopted Livingstone based businessman and tour operator Eugene Mapuwo as its candidate for executive mayor.

Mr Jere, who was given a rousing welcome to a thunderous welcome by party officials on Saturday has pleaded to work with everyone in the party including those who have not been adopted.

Speaking upon arrival, Mr Jere said he would remain indebted to the UPND and promised to deliver the seat to the party.

“I would like to thank the party officials for supporting me and for giving me an opportunity to represent the party in this year’s general election. I want to congratulate all those who have been adopted.

“What matters now is the vote for president Hakainde and the UPND.

For us to win, we should work extra hard, no one should sleep and relax. For UPND there is no winner and no loser. Let us bury our difference and forge ahead,” he said.